Key Events

'Leave extra time for your journey tonight'

1 lane remains closed on the southbound carriageway. No lanes closed northbound however traffic is very slow moving past the scene. Long delays also remain on the #M25 in both directions approaching the junction for the #M23. Allow extra time for your journey this evening.

Crane now not expected to be moved until late this evening

Traffic England now expects the M23 to clear between 8.30pm and 8.45pm

We now only have 1 lane closed southbound. Recovery of the crane is now not anticipated to take place until late this evening. No full carriageway closure will take place until then if necessary. Long delays remain on #M25 anti clockwise from J9 and clockwise from J6.

A look at the traffic on the M25

Traffic is no better on the A22

Drivers are clearly looking to avoid the M23 because traffic is also bad on the A22 southbound in particular. Inrix warns “A22 Southbound which runs parallel to the M23 through South Godstone is also struggling”.

This live Google map shows traffic is heavy on the A22 as drivers look to avoid the M23 (Image: Google )

17:53

Motorway traffic not expected to return to normal for hours

Traffic England has warned the crane is not expected to be moved until between 6.45pm and 7pm, with normal traffic conditions not expected until 7.30-7.45pm. However, there is a possibility that the expected clearance time will be extended.

AA traffic and travel is reporting “severe delays” of 20 minutes on the M23. There are delays on both the northbound and southbound carriageways. On the M25 anticlockwise (around Junction 7) there are delays of about 34 minutes.

17:48

Northbound lane on the M23 will have to be shut during recovery

It’s likely we will have to fully close the southbound carriageway whilst recovery of the crane takes place. We’ll also need to close 1 lane northbound as a result. We’ll provide updates when this happens. Delays on #M25 anti-clockwise now back to J9 and clockwise reaching J6.